Crimes

Residents: 10 Ibadan explosion victims still missing

The Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) in Ibadan, the Oyo State, says about 10 persons were still missing following the January 16 explosion in the area.

BERA, an umbrella body of all communities in Bodija, made this known on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Speaking with journalists after BERA’s consultative meeting, the association’s president, Muyiwa Bamgbose, said: “I think it is now more towards eight and nine persons now, or even 10, whom those in the neighbourhood have talked about.

“We took the map of the street to them (government) and tried to account for (people) house by house to get accurate information.

“If the person was seen yesterday and was not seen today or you can’t find him again, then you need to get worried. But I believe it’s nearer 10 now.”

The president also called for massive assistance for victims of the explosion to get back their lives, saying there were a lot of people who paid for their medical bills out of pocket and did not go to the designated hospitals.

He added: “I must also confess that some hospitals, like Redeemers Clinic, were treating victims free of charge without keeping records.

“The hospitals contributed by treating people without asking for money, and some people who could afford it took themselves to their private hospitals.”

He however lamented improper organisation for victims in accessing hotel accommodation the government said it provided.

Bamgbose said: “Our fear is that government may end up being shortchanged. Yes, it was a chaotic situation but there should been some kind of order.

“Yes, this is the first in Ibadan and I must commend the government’s willingness and response. But there is a difference between being willing and then having the ability.

“People have worked overnight without sleeping. Even the federal government has taken the issue seriously as all its security apparatus was deployed.

“Then, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been working with its Oyo state counterpart. Everybody has collaborated but our best is still short of the word best.”

While commending the efforts of the Federal and Oyo State Governments, Bamgbose noted the need to learn from the explosion to better prepare for emergency operations.

The Star